Created by and published by Éditions Arcature , the Dicobat first emerged in the early 1990s (with a notable edition in 1993) to solve terminological confusion in the building industry.
This version moved away from text-heavy definitions toward a "professional picture book" format, allowing users to identify components by sight—essential for apprentices and international professionals.
Before searching random websites, check these avenues:
The shift to digital has transformed how professionals access information. Physical copies of Dicobat are heavy (often weighing over 2 kg), expensive (€80–€120), and quickly outdated. Hence, the has become a holy grail for many.
Budget for the official PDF from AREL. If you are a student, ask your school to purchase a campus license. If you are a freelancer, write it off as a business expense. A single corrected mistake on a roofing quote or foundation calculation will pay for the dictionary many times over.
Elias didn't reach for the heavy book. He pulled out his phone, opened his saved link, and scrolled to page 12. With one "tap," the illustration appeared: a clear diagram showing the self-supporting structure fixed to the building's primary frame.